Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Patrick Kearney/Olympic FC

Palm Beach SC Women moved within a point of first with a round remaining by getting past Olympic FC Women 2-0 at Goodwin Park on Sunday.

Goals at the beginning of each half moved Sharks just a point shy of The Gap Women heading into the final round of the season.

Defeat keeps Olympic in danger of missing out on a Finals Series spot as Peninsula Power Women remain in striking distance.

With the first real attack of the match, Olympic goalkeeper Katie Ronan was at full stretch to push Lauren Brown’s shot on the turn away from the bottom corner.

Sharks wouldn’t be denied a second time though as Louisa Marmion forced home the opener from the resultant corner.

Deeanna Thompson, favourite to finish on top of the scoring charts, almost unintentionally doubled the advantage with a cross that skimmed across the frame of the crossbar.

Olympic came back into the contest as the half wore on but were restricted to long range efforts from Jessica McLean and Natalie Tathem as it remained 1-0 at the break.

Just as they had at the beginning of the match, Sharks started brightly after the restart with a goal inside five minutes.

Lauren Brown was the player to profit this time when a deep cross struck the upright and sat up nicely for the captain to tuck away.

Brown might have made it 3-0 moments later but, after dribbling past Ronan, steered her finish wide of the upright.

Olympic winger Jazmyn Perin had the chance to cut the deficit with around 10 minutes remaining only to shoot over the crossbar following a fine first touch.

There was still time for Brown to be denied by the post with a long range effort late in proceedings, mattering little as Sharks saw out the 2-0 victory.

Speaking after the match, Olympic midfielder Nat Tathem said her side fell short of the required 90-minute performance.

“I think our team played well in patches but … overall they were the better team on the day,” Tathem said.

Sharks coach Gary French paid tribute to his team’s attacking options, including goalscorer Lauren Brown.

“It was a tough game but it’s nice to have those players who can score for you,” French said.

Olympic FC Women 0
Palm Beach SC Women 2 (Louisa MARMION 3’ Lauren BROWN 48’)